When you leave your elderly loved ones in the care of a facility, you expect them to have the best treatment possible. This means a watchful eye on them constantly, ensuring their needs and wants to get met in a timely fashion.
So what happens if you start noticing the signs of pressure ulcers? What does this mean for your loved one’s care, and what can you do about it?
How bedsores form
Mayo Clinic takes a close look at pressure ulcers, known also by the name of bedsores. Pressure ulcers often occur when someone gets left in the same position for a long period of time. The people most at risk include very ill patients, people in comatose states, and the elderly who cannot move easily on their own.
Unfortunately, bedsores are an easily avoided condition with proper support and care. Bedsores often form below the shoulder blades, at the hips, on the back of the heels, and at the back of the head. The longer the victim goes without movement, the worse these sores can become.
Ties to negligence
Staff should implement tools like foam support and frequent rotation to help reduce the risk of bedsores forming in the areas of highest probability. They should also maintain diligence in monitoring a resident for potential signs of pressure ulcers forming before they get to a bad state.
Thus, moderate or severe bedsores can easily point to negligence in a nursing home staff. If you notice your loved one suffering from such an issue, consider bringing your case to legal help to see what they have to say about it.